2002 S60 How bad are the transmissions really?

butthole · Post by **butthole** » 27 Oct 2014, 17:03

I've been passed down a 2002 S60 AWD (135,000miles) and it needs a bit of work with regards to suspension and a coolant leak (probably atleast $1000) which im okay with but I don't want to put much money into the car if its going to require a $4000 transmission rebuild in a couple months.

It seems fine to me (though now i've noticed it does jolt a bit when re-applying throttle while moving) but you guys on this forum have scared me lol but i'd rather not be ignorant to the truth.

ExcelsiorRacing · Post by **ExcelsiorRacing** » 27 Oct 2014, 18:33

I track my Auto S60 2.4t on a consistent basis and it has the dreaded transmission flare. I have done some pretty aggressive maintenance to it though. It holds up VERY well on the track but sitting in the drive through or stop and go traffic is sucks! lol

Post by **vtl** » 27 Oct 2014, 19:13

It leaks coolant where? Through radiator into transmission?

I don't know if AWD/turbo model has Bosch throttle, but FWD with N/A engine in 2002 still had white labeled Magneti Marelli. Have to mention, that white label ETM in my V70 is still alive. Not sure how much life remains in resistive films, but VIDA ETM test showed no issues a few months ago.

Transmission will be a problem. At least a repaired valve body required, that's around $1200 including work. Save $500 and do it yourself (I would not do it ever again, unless family has extra car). If coolant made its way into transmission, it's dead.

Driveshaft may be bad, viscous coupler as well. FWD conversion is not unlikely.

Clogged PCV ($350 for parts), sticky VVT solenoid, malfunctioning VVT clutch...

I'd pass this car, it will eat you alive, like mine did

http://www.spritmonitor.de/en/detail/430699.html

butthole · Post by **butthole** » 27 Oct 2014, 23:34

I don't where the leak is yet but I lost like 1 gallon on one hot day.

In my area the cheapest roadworthy car I can get is around $3000, but even then it'd probably be old and may require lots of work aswell. Everyone here think its a money pit? It's just that I'm saving up for a lot of things at the moment so I'm wondering if the cheapest option for a car would be to keep it (to be honest it never fails to start and always puts plenty of power to the wheels) or sell it for scrap and buy some rubbish Japanese car lol.

Tonyx · Post by **Tonyx** » 28 Oct 2014, 10:16

I would disconnect the integrated trans oil cooler from engine radiator and route the fluid through an external trans oil cooler. Several members have done this which ensures water and oil will not mix and provides better cooling for trans oil which helps with shifting issues.

With the external trans oil cooler, B4 solenoid cover replacement and fluid exchange, you should be able to run the car for several more years. This based on my 2001 XC70 experience.

Post by **oragex** » 28 Oct 2014, 16:51

Have a look at the engine/transmission mounts prone to broke.

Not sure was the suspension work is but here's some suggestions for parts

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Volvo-S60-01-03 ... eb&vxp=mtr

http://www.ebay.com/itm/VOLVO-S60-MKI-F ... 18&vxp=mtr

For the transmission, If you decide to keep the car, I would gradually replace the fluid, check if the T4 server cover was replaced, check if the software was recently updated (important), check if the main solenoids were replaced ($200 in parts, 1h labor).

At 130k miles it's getting old. It depends if the previous owner has done most repairs other than the suspension thing. Many of the people on forums do their own repairs and often times with second hand parts. If you can't take care of it in this way, it can get too expensive to drive.

butthole · Post by **butthole** » 28 Oct 2014, 18:36

oragex wrote:Many of the people on forums do their own repairs and often times with second hand parts. If you can't take care of it in this way, it can get too expensive to drive.

That is my intentions however transmissions sound difficult. But thankyou for you help.

Post by **precopster** » 29 Oct 2014, 04:58

I bought and sold a S60 AWD 2002 earlier this year. I bought it as a parts car however the most serious damage to the car was a burred driveshaft and a broken ball joint.

It only had 124, 000kms however I needed to rebuild the valve body with the Transgo kit and it worked out superbly. Shifts are near perfect and new owner is still in touch telling me how much he enjoys it.

They have the Bosch ETA in this year and were the first year to get Haldex AWD